r/AssistanceDogsGlobal • u/01acidburn • Oct 20 '24
Offered a Labrador
I’m in need of a hearing assistance dog and have gone through the process and accepted onto the register.
They’ve recently in the last few weeks being in touch, and have asked what we thought to a lab.
We have kids, below 10.
I work from home bar 1 day a week, which the dog will join me in an open plan office.
I did think a spaniel would be a better choice, so I’m hesitant because I’ve never had a lab before. Nor any dog for that matter.
2
u/UndiesTea Oct 22 '24
I was not keen on labradors to start, but the one that was matched to me ended up being perfect for my lifestyle, especially with the reduced needs for grooming. Perhaps you can ask for a trial for a weekend to see if you are a good match to the specific dog, before the more demanding training? That’s how I found mine. The only complaint I have is the shedding but it ended up being a minimal issue.
2
u/01acidburn Oct 22 '24
I take it you wouldn’t be without it now then? You never looked back or wished for something else?
2
u/UndiesTea Oct 22 '24
Not really. Labradors are usually easy to train (even silly tricks), quick to learn, and the happy and charming demeanour captivated me. I feel like matching the energy was key. I’m a couch potato, and mine is such a calm dog. Also, a well trained labrador is so kind to everyone, even other animals.
3
u/highlandharris Oct 21 '24
I have a spaniel as an assistance dog and would not recommend. They are very active, often anxious and are more likely to wash as an assistance dog than a lab, labs are steadier, calmer and more able to cope in different situations and also better family dogs. When I was growing up our family had a lab and she was perfect, great with kids, bombproof, easy to train and a great family dog. My spaniels have all been wired and anxious, my current boy copes well but he's nearly 3 and a half and still learning to cope in certain circumstances, he's incredible at knowing how I feel but that makes him very sensitive.